Today in Mississippi August 2021 Singing River

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outdoo scene around the ‘sip

The Invention ofco-op theinvolvement Year southern gardening The world’s lightest and most portable mobility device

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Throughout the ages, there have been many important advances in mobility. Canes, walkers, rollators, and scooters were created to help people with mobility issues get around and retain their independence. Lately, however, there haven’t been any new improvements to these existing products or developments in this field. Until now. Recently, an innovative design engineer who’s developed one of the world’s most popular products created a completely new breakthrough... a personal electric vehicle. It’s called the Zinger, and there is nothing out there quite like it.

g

outdoors today picture this my opinion grin ‘n’ bare it

Catfish and community There’s a reason catfish is synonymous with the great state of Mississippi.

For one, we love good food. Even though there’s nothing quite like a back yard fish fry, or a po-boy stuffed with a golden brown, fried catfish fillet, there are plenty of ways to prepare the state’s favorite fish. (Grilled catfish, anyone?)

There’s also the fact that the tiny Delta town of Belzoni is considered the “Catfish Capital of the World.” The Mississippi Delta and east Mississippi are ground zero for catfish farms and processors.

Mississippi is the largest catfish producing state in the country with close to 70 percent of total production, according to The Catfish Institute, a national trade group that promotes U.S. farm-raised catfish.

August also happens to be National Catfish Month. For this issue, we visited with a Mississippi catfish farmer to find out how the mouthwatering seafood goes from pond to our plates.

Will Nobile runs a family catfish farm in Moorhead. Nobile has been named the Mississippi Catfish Farmer of the Year two years in a row by the Catfish Institute.

Nobile is part of our cooperative family as a member. His farm is partly powered

by Delta Electric Power Association.

I love our cover story this month because it is both a story of the impact of our state and culture on the national economy while also telling the story of one of our members. Catfish farms, processors, fish feed businesses and restaurants in our state all benefit our community in different ways.

Our seventh cooperative principle — Concern for Community — reflects the spirit of the catfish industry in Mississippi and what we stand for as electric cooperatives — “While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.”

Delta Electric and the electric cooperatives in Mississippi are part of both the local catfish farming community that directly impacts Mississippi and the global world of catfish sales.

In the end though, for a lot of us, catfish is just good eating.

And amen to that.

by Michael Callahan Executive Vice President/CEO Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

Walters joins ECM staff We’re pleased to announce that Lydia Walters, a 23-year veteran of Mississippi’s electric cooperative family, has joined the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi (ECM) team as vice president of communications.

“Walters brings a wealth of cooperative communication experience to the statewide team having served more than two decades with three Mississippi electric cooperatives,” said Michael Callahan, executive vice president and CEO of ECM. “Lydia is an award-winning writer and public relations veteran who is totally committed to keeping our cooperative members informed and entertained.”

Recently, Walters served as manager of communications and human resources at Dixie Electric Power Association in Laurel. Walters worked at Dixie Electric since March 2009. Prior to her responsibilities at Dixie Electric, Walters worked for both East Mississippi EPA and Cooperative Energy.

Walters has been very active on the national level and is the immediate past chair of the Certified Cooperative Communicators board.

Walters, a native of Laurel, is a graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi, with a master’s degree in public relations and a bachelor’s degree in radio, television and film. She is also a graduate of NRECA’s Management Internship Program and a certified cooperative communicator.

What’s Mississippi to you?

What do you treasure most about life in our state?

Send your brief thoughts to Today in Mississippi, news@ecm.coop or mail to P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158

AUGUST 2021 | TODAY 3

in this issue

5 southern gardening Container gardens provide weekend fun

8 scene around the ‘sip A look at special people and places in Mississippi

Take time to listen

12 local news

EDITORIAL OFFICE & ADVERTISING 601-605-8600

18 feature

August is National Catfish Month.

A catfish farmer in the Delta shows us his ponds

18

Vol. 74 No. 8

OFFICERS Kevin Bonds - President Eddie Howard - First Vice President Randy Carroll - Second Vice President Ron Barnes - Secretary/Treasurer Michael Callahan - Executive Vice President/CEO EDITORIAL STAFF Ron Stewart - Senior Vice President Lydia Walters - VP, Communications Steven Ward - Editor Chad Calcote - Creative Director/ Manager Elissa Fulton - Communications Specialist Rickey McMillan - Graphic Designer Kevin Wood - Graphic Designer Chris Alexander - Administrative Assistant

11 outdoors today

11

The Official Publication of the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

24 on the menu

Mexican night with a dash of Mississippi flavor

Acceptance of advertising by Today in Mississippi does not imply endorsement of the advertised product or services by the publisher or Mississippi’s electric power associations. Product satisfaction and delivery responsibility lie solely with the advertiser.

• National advertising representative: American MainStreet Publications, 800-626-1181

Circulation of this issue: 454,710

Non-member subscription price: $9.50 per year.

Today in Mississippi (ISSN 1052-2433) is published 12 times a year

by Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Inc., P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300, or 665 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS 39157. Phone 601-605-8600. Periodical postage paid at Ridgeland, MS, and additional office. The publisher (and/or its agent) reserves the right to refuse or edit all advertising.

POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 507.1.5.2) NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: send address corrections to: Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300

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The allure of the front porch

27

On the cover A fried catfish platter at Cock of the Walk in Ridgeland.

Photo by Chad Calcote.

NEXT IN PICTURE THIS:

Mouthwatering Mississippi meals Send us photos of your favorite foods. Show us entrees, sides or desserts from your favorite home-cooked meals or grill outs. Or send us something from a visit to a restaurant. Photos must be high-resolution JPG files of at least 1 MB in size. Please attach the photo to your email and send it to news@ecm.coop. Each entry must be accompanied by photographer’s name, address and co-op.

Submission deadline: Sept. 3. Select photos will appear in the October 2021 issue.

4 TODAY | AUGUST 2021

offer fun weekend project The possibilities for container combinations are endless, such as this calibrachoa combined with celery.

Now that we’re officially into summer, I know there will be days when it will be too hot to work in the garden, but I’ll still want to do garden activities.

Basic, black plastic pots are functional but dull until they are decorated, such as this one that has been On those days, one appliquéd with the name of the plant it contains. easy garden project that I think is perfect is creating combination containers.

Putting together beautiful flowers and colorful foliage is as easy as gathering pots and planting. You can use everything from heirloom vegetables to flowers or any other type of plant you like.

I like to combine herbs in containers that I keep on the back porch and patio for easy access for dinner prep. Over the years, I’ve tried lots of different combinations, but I like the old thriller, filler and spiller method (TFS for short) best.

For an herb thriller, choose from wooly, silver-gray curry plant; woody-stemmed, upright rosemary with aromatic gray-green, needle-like foliage; or the lemony-ginger fragrance of lemongrass.

Both rosemary and lemongrass are Mississippi Medallion winners.

For filler herbs, you can’t go wrong with basil. This plant has varieties like lemon-scented and flavored lemon basil, spicyflavored spicy globe or licorice-flavored amethyst basil.

Great spiller herbs that will sprawl over the container edge are creeping rosemary with its scented, bluish-green, needle-like foliage; pineapple mint with its delicate pineapple scent; and the creamy, variegated foliage of English thyme with its wonderful, aromatic, gray-green leaves.

Other combinations I like use leafy greens like kale or celery — yes, celery — and colorful flowers like calibrachoa or petunias.

I typically just plant these together and don’t worry about TFS. An important and fun decision is what container to use.

Old school is terra cotta, but there are other options. The colorful Talavera containers are becoming more widely available. Or, if you’re a fan of home-remodeling shows, finding something you

can repurpose can be satisfying. I love my herb box made by the Pine Belt Master Gardeners using scraps from their salad table construction projects.

I like to grow plants in the basic, black plastic pots, likely a throwback to my nursery and greenhouse background. While functional, these containers are also very dull.

An easy way to jazz up these basic containers is to paint them.

I like to use textured spray paints that result in a stone-like appearance. This year, my wife has been decorating and appliquéing the names of the plants on my containers.

So for a new project this week, go to your favorite independent garden center and pick up some plants and a great container, and go have some garden fun.

Putting together beautiful container gardens is as easy as gathering pots and planting what you like, such as this dinosaur kale growing with calibrachoa.

by Dr. Gary Bachman Gary Bachman, Ph.D., Extension/Research Professor of Horticulture at the Mississippi State University Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi. He is also host of “Southern Gardening” radio and TV programs.

He lives in Ocean Springs and is a Singing River Electric member.

AUGUST 2021 | TODAY 5

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Dallas Gorbett, a transplanted Yankee, moved to Hattiesburg in 2007 and joined OLLI — a life-improving experience — shortly after that.

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For more information, email olli@usm.edu or call at 601-264-2780 or 228-214-3277.

Check out the full range of offerings at www.usm.edu/lifelonglearning. The faculty and instructors are current and retired teachers, professors and experts in their fields.

In celebration of OLLI’s 30th anniversary at Southern Miss, the new member’s fee has been reduced to $30 this year only. The usual annual fee is $50 in Hattiesburg and $40 in Long Beach.

AUGUST 2021 | TODAY 7

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by Dallas Gorbett Have you ever gone birding on a pontoon boat with a bunch of your friends on the Pascagoula River? Join a community of adults 50 and above who are having fun discovering new interests in art, history, science, and many other wide-ranging subjects.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at The University of Southern Mississippi is a welcoming place for seniors to develop new and lasting friendships and to be part of an open, inclusive and thriving community.

OLLI offers noncredit courses with no assignments or grades to “seasoned” adults regardless of their educational background. Just because you spent your career in finance, physics or forestry doesn’t mean gardening, genealogy and gallivanting across the state (or beyond!) are off-limits.

The curriculum is as broad and diverse as its members.

History, literature, science, health, exercise, art, current affairs, computer skills, religious history, cooking, bridge lessons and, yes, ukulele lessons are among the many offerings. There are field trips and longer travel excursions to cement friendships.

Classes are presented in a mixture of in-person (following the Southern Miss pandemic protocols for safety) and online — a community at your fingertips if you can’t attend in-person. The new digital technologies have made it possible for anyone to be an active member. (We even have out-of-state members.)

Live classes are held at both the Hattiesburg and Long Beach Southern Miss campuses.

There are Special Interest Groups (SIGS) for members who want to dig deeper into a subject or activity that excites them.

They include life story and poetry writing, book clubs, bridge and poker players (chips, not cash), photography, current events and ukulele. They’re free to paid members.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute has 124 branches nationwide with thousands of members. Southern Miss hosts the only OLLI in Mississippi.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Seniors born before 1956 get big boost SLEEK NEW MEDICAL ALERT DEVICE IS FLYING OUT THE DOOR

COMES WITH NO CONTRACTS, NO DEPOSITS AND NO MONTHLY BILLS

Seniors get new medical alert device that instantly connects to free unlimited nationwide help with just the push of a button Instantly connects Comes with new All seniors born Nothing to hook Sleek new modern Seniors born you to free unlimited cellular embedded before 1956 are getup. You don’t need design makes you before 1956 get nationwide help technology that ting an instant $150 a land line or cell look important not with no contracts, works at home or rebate making this phone. It’s ready to old new medical no deposits and no anywhere you go so deal just too good to use right out of the alert device monthly bills ever you are never alone pass up box Special Report: Demand for new Medical Alert Device soars

The phone lines are ringing off the hook.

That’s because for seniors born before 1956, it’s a deal too good to pass up.

Starting at precisely 8:30 am this morning the PreStore Release begins for the sleek new medical alert device that comes with the exclusive FastHelp™ OneTouch E 911 Button that instantly connects you to unlimited nationwide help ever y where cell service is available with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever.

“It’s not like old style monitored help buttons that make you talk to a call center, only work when you’re at home and come w ith hef ty bills every month.

FastHelp comes with state-of-the-art cellular embedded technology. That means it works at home or

anywhere, anytime cell service is available whether you’re out watering the garden, driving in a car, at church or even hundreds of miles away on a tour or at a casino.

You are never alone.

With just a single push of the One-Touch E Button you instantly get connected to free unlimited help nationwide with no monthly bills ever,” said Jack Lawrence, Executive Director of Product Development for U.S. based Universal Physicians.

“We’ve never seen anything like it. Consumers absolutely love the sleek new modern design and most of all, the instant rebate that practically pays for it and no monthly bills ever,” Lawrence said.

FastHelp is the sleek new medical alert device with the best of combinations: a quality, hight e ch en g i ne er e d device that’s also an extremely great value because there are no monthly bills ever. ■

Doctor urges seniors to get new medical alert device Seniors snap up new medical alert device that comes with no monthly bills People don’t always do what their doctor says, but when seasoned veteran emergenc y r o om phy s i cian, Dr. Philip B. Howren says every senior should have a medical alert device, you better listen up.

“Seniors are just one fall away from being put in a nursing home,” Dr. Howren said.

“With a medical alert device, seniors are never alone. So it keeps them living independently in their own home.

That’s why seniors and their family members are snap-

ping up a sleek new medical alert device that comes with no monthly bills ever,” he said.

Many seniors refuse to wear old style help buttons because they make them look old. But even worse, those medical alert systems come with monthly bills.

To solve these problems Universal Physicians, a U.S. company, went to work to develop a new, modern, state-of-the-

art medical alert device. It’s called “FastHelp™” and it instantly connects you to free unlimited nationwide help ever y where cel l service is available with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever.

“This slick new little device is designed to look like the pagers doctors wea r ever y day.

Seniors love them, because it actually makes them look important, not old,” Dr. Howren said.

FastHelp is expected to hit store shelves later this year. But special new s p ap er pr o motional giveaways are slated for seniors in select areas that call 1-800-275-0444 Ext. HELP3217. ■ (Continued on next page)

8 TODAY | AUGUST 2021

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

No contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever FastHelp is the only Medical Alert device that won’t break the bank. That’s because it comes with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever – which makes FastHelp a great choice for seniors, students and professionals because it connects to one of the largest nationwide networks everywhere cell service is available for free.

And here’s the best part. All those who already have an old style monitored medical alert button can immediately eliminate those monthly bills, which is why Universal Physicians is widely advertising this announcement nationwide.

So if you’ve ever felt a medical alert device was too complicated or expensive, you’ll want to get FastHelp, the sleek new medical

alert device with no monthly bills.

The medical alert device slugfest was dominated by two main combatants who both offer old st yle mon itored help buttons that come with a hefty bill every month.

But now Universal Physicians, the U.S. based heavyweight, just delivered a knockout blow sending the top rated contenders to the mat with the unveiling of FastHelp. It’s the sleek new cellular embedded medical alert device that cuts out the middleman by instantly con ne c t i n g you directly to highly trained 911 operators all across the U.S. There’s absolutely nothing to hook-up or install.

You don’t need a land line and you don’t need a cell phone. Everything is done for you. ■

HOW TO GET IT BORN BEFORE 1956: Use the rebate coupon to the right and call this Toll-Free Hotline: 1-800-275-0444 EXT. HELP3217 BORN AFTER 1956: You cannot use the rebate coupon to the right and must pay $299 Call: 1-800-281-0344 EXT. HELP3217

The problem with medical alert devices is, nobody wants to wear them because it makes them look old.

Well, that’s not the case with FastHelp.

That’s because it’s the first state of the art medical alert dev ice de si g ne d to make you look important, not old.

Old style monitored help buttons you wear around your neck, or require expensive base station equipment or a landline are the equivalent of a horse and buggy, it’s just outdated.

Millions of seniors fall every year and spend hours lying on the f loor helpless and all alone with no help.

But seniors who fall and get immediate help are much more likely to avoid getting sent to a nursing home and get to STAY living

PROS: It’s the BOTTOM LINE:

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We’ve done all the leg work, this deal is too good to pass up. FastHelp with the instant rebate is a real steal at just $149 and shipping and there are no monthly bills ever.

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The only device that makes you look important, not old

sleek new medical alert device that comes with the exclusive FastHelp One-Touch E 911 Button that instantly connects you to free unlimited nationwide help everywhere cell service is available with no contracts or deposits. It connects you to the vast available network of cellular towers for free and saves seniors a ton of money because there are no monthly bills ever making this deal irresistible. Plus it’s the only medical alert device that makes seniors look important, not old.

in their own home independently.

Yet millions of seniors a re still risking their safety by not having a medical alert d e v i c e . T h at ’s because seniors just can’t afford to pay the monthly bills that come with old style medical alert devices.

That’s why seniors born before 1956 are rushing to cash in the whopping $150 instant rebate before the 7 day deadline ends.

So there’s no need to wait for FastHelp to hit store shelves later this yea r b e cau s e s en ior s born before 1956 can get it now just by using the $150 instant rebate coupon printed in today’s newspaper before the 7- day deadline ends. If lines are busy keep trying, all calls will be answered. ■

CONS: Con-

sumers can’t get FastHelp in stores until later this year.

That’s why it’s so important for seniors born before 1956 to call the National Rebate Center Hotline within the next 7 days.

For those who miss that deadline, the sleek little medical alert device will set you back over $300 bucks.

See what actual customers are saying about FastHelp VERY IMPRESSED “When I pressed the alert button, I got straight through to help and they answered me immediately. I live out in the country and my cell phone doesn’t always get reception... that was not a problem with my FastHelp device.”

- Walter, TN LIFESAVER “When I got my FastHelp I never thought I’d have to use it, but when I fell and broke my hip it saved my life.”

- Harold, OH Very appreciative of having FastHelp “I did have an emergency. Help RESPONDED quickly and came in a few minutes.”

- Irving, PA

WE LOVE THE PRODUCT “We bought it outright with no bills ever.”

- Rosemary, NY Safe anywhere “This little FastHelp device is my guardian angel. I’m so glad my daughter-in-law got it for me.”

- Pete, FL Everyone should have it “I’ve been telling everyone to get one. Thanks to the folks at FastHelp for taking good care of people when they need it.”

- Mark, IA Love my unit and feel much safer “I am a 68 year old recent widow. Standing on a chair to put my tree topper on this Christmas I thought ‘What if I fell?’ Saw your ad and ordered my FastHelp unit.”

- Megan, CA Unsolicited consumer feedback from satisfied customers as reported to Universal Physicians.

Universal Physicians rated these customer reviews 5 stars

REBATE COUPON

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FASTHELP IS COVERED BY A 30-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE LESS SHIPPING AND A 1 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY. FASTHELP IS A 4G CELLULAR DEVICE. FASTHELP WILL NOT BE ABLE TO MAKE 911 CALLS WHEN CELLULAR SERVICE IS NOT AVAILABLE SUCH AS IN REMOTE AREAS. FASTHELP USES GPS TRIANGULATIONS TO APPROXIMATE YOUR LOCATION WHEN YOUR DEVICE IS TURNED ON. DR. HOWREN IS A COMPENSATED MEDICAL ADVISOR. OH RESIDENTS ADD 6.5% SALES TAX. UNIVERSAL PHYSICIANS 7747 SUPREME AVE, NORTH CANTON, OH 44720.

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AUGUST 2021 | TODAY 9

VERSION #______________ RON Date_____ Approved Revisions Requested STEVEN Date_____ Approved Revisions Requested CHAD Date_____ Approved Revisions Requested ELISSA Date_____ Approved Revisions Requested CHRIS Date_____ Approved Revisions Requested ARTIST ___________ Date_____ Approved Revisions Requested

(Continued from previous page)

mississippi seen

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events

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mississippi marketplace u outdoors today out d the ‘sip picture this my opinion ement

rdening

grin ‘n’ bare it perhaps 100 yards the gallant little gentleman spoke, tenSix a.m. A slight breeze pushing a spring cool front tatively at first but with much more confidence afterward. and brushing new growth with lowered humidity. The “Bob white.” Musical like; a crescendo and staccato on sun making way through scattered clouds and spreading that last syllable, “white.” daylight across a woodlot. Grand it was that morning.

Just below the hill lay a derelict mule-drawn hay mower.

It was my second and last opportunity to take advantage I knew it was there and could see its metal tentacles strugof the brief spring squirrel season in Mississippi, and I was gling to maintain posture in the easing along a familiar woods honeysuckle and sweetgum thicket road watching for movement in but had given it no thought on this the tree tops or along the ground. morning. Suddenly, the rusting tool Nothing, but that was of no real seemed to glimmer. I shivered. I was consequence. mystified. If the uniqueness of quail I thought of an old saw that can call were not adequate to extract be used for a broad assortment nostalgia and romance from the of proclamations: “Life is too core of an aging hunter, the skeleshort to….” Add whatever words Quail have fallen on hard times over the past several decades. But ton of that mower appended to that you like. For me that morning with ongoing research and positive management practices, the those words were, “shoot an ugly whistles and calls may be a bit more common than these are today. brilliantly mournful call did the trick.

A peculiar element of solemnity shotgun!” I toted a nifty little dou- Photo by Garrett Davidson abounds when the wild places suggest human laughter and ble-barrel configuration; 28 gauge. And it was definitely not tears and sadness and joy and life. That life now present ugly. It doesn’t have to be shot to be appreciated. only in atrophy, the wild now taking back ownership of Never do I amass great fortune while squirrel hunting what was once tamed. Those folks who rode that mower in spring, if this amassing is measured solely by collecting and whose lives were attached to those hills and hollows the basic ingredients for a stew. Nor do I seek such. Wealth likely heard the same quail song I was hearing. comes in increments — a little here, a little there. Add them The little bird called again. I wished him well. Perhaps up and the account soars. That soaring was what had there was hope. Dim hope for sure but hope just the same! begun immediately after I closed my truck door.

Cool; crisp. Leaves damp enough to afford silent steps.

And the birds! Everywhere and of every variety. All singing their reveille. Rain crows were particularly vocal. Cardinals, too. Ample sounds but no noise. The chorus was magnificent.

by Tony Kinton And then it happened; the portfolio practically burst. I received an unexTony Kinton has been an active outdoors writer for 30 years. He lives in pected bonus — the best kind. Just Carthage and is a Central Electric member. Visit www.tonykinton.com along a grassy road to the east for more information.

AUGUST 2021 | TODAY 11

VERSION #______________ RON Date_____ Approved Revisions Requested STEVEN Date_____ Approved Revisions Requested CHAD Date_____ Approved Revisions Requested ELISSA Date_____ Approved Revisions Requested CHRIS Date_____ Approved Revisions Requested ARTIST __________ Date_____ Approved Revisions Requested

een

BRIAN HUGHEY

Bringing power and energy services to local communities

Public Relations Specialist

LORRI FREEMAN, APR

STEPHANIE CHISHOLM

For more information, call 601-947-4211 or 228-497-1313.

www.singingriver.com

@singingriverelectric

Manager of Public Relations

@SRECooperative

The power of education programs for those entering college, sponsor a youth leadership program for high school juniors, and participate in the Pathways to Possibilities Career Fair to help local middle school students explore job fields and potential careers.

Our engineers and linemen visit elementary classrooms across the service territory showing the importance of safety. While our in-person interaction with students and educators was minimized last year due to the pandemic, we are hopeful things return to normal this year.

The real impact is interaction. Whether it’s an employee coaching a sports team, working with the school PTA or purchasing items during the holidays to support a classroom, we want our local students and teachers to know we care.

We all know education is vital to the economic growth and well-being of the communities where we live and work. I ask you to join us, if you aren’t already doing so, in supporting our schools and teachers through volunteering or helping in some way. Our students deserve nothing less than the best education we can provide them.

Supporting education in our local communities

singingriver.com/my-community 12 TODAY | AUGUST 2021

Public Relations Assistant

SRE is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO

I’m sure many of you have children or grandchildren eager to begin the new school year. Thoughts likely include the anticipation of meeting new Brian Hughey teachers, seeing old General Manager friends, making new & CEO friends, and even the excitement of buying new school supplies. For some of us, including myself, it may be the anxiety of sending a child off to college for the first time.

Local teachers and administrators have been busy for weeks preparing for the big day. These special individuals play a critical role in the development of our children and grandchildren and need the support of the community. We all play a role in our local school’s success.

It’s more than slowing down in the school zones; it’s about being involved in the schools and communities we love.

Singing River Electric understands this and is committed to the schools in our communities. We contribute to local chambers of commerce scholarship

AMANDA PARKER

General Manager & CEO

@singingriverelectric

Energy Tips

Jeff Gray Energy Services Representative gray@singingriver.com

Preventing infiltration Infiltration or outside air leaking into your home can make your home miserable in the summer and impact your energy use significantly. The air you paid to cool inside can escape outside through cracks and crevasses. This causes your air conditioner to operate at longer intervals, raising your power bill. It can also increase humidity in your home resulting in discomfort. The same can happen in the winter as heated air escapes and cold air enters causing the heating system to run longer and your electric bills to rise.

There are several things you can do to prevent infiltration in your home: • Make sure exterior doors are sealed with weather stripping and a good threshold seal. A door sweep can be added if leaks are detected under the door.

• Caulk around all exterior windows.

You can seal any exterior holes (plumbing or electrical, etc.) with foam sealant such as Great Stuff.

• Heater closets in homes should be sealed inside the top. Gas heater closets must be left open for ventilation.

• Homes built off-the-ground should have skirting around the bottom to stop airflow under the home.

Visit singingriver.com/ways-to-save for more energy-saving tips.

FAQ

Q A

Great News!

When can I sign up for fiber service?

Faster internet is coming!

We are currently in the pilot phase. The pilot areas are scheduled to receive fiber between October 2021 and early January 2022. SRE’s board of directors will be monitoring the expressed interests inside and outside of the pilot areas, as well as signups in the pilot areas to determine the success of the pilot program and if expansion is needed and where to go next.

Q

Free installation during the pilot period (no contract, no data caps, no equipment fees)

Super-fast speeds: 100 Mbps and 1 Gbps (up and down)

Priced as low as $59.95

(includes modem, router and managed Wi-Fi)

Is this an introductory offer that will spike in price?

A

No. Our fiber packages are $59.95 for 100 Mbps and $84.95 for 1 Gbps. The prices include free installation, free modem and router, free managed Wi-Fi, no contracts, no equipment fees and no datause limits.

Q A

Why is fiber better than tradition internet service?

Fiber high-speed internet is lightning fast. You really have to try it to believe it. It is also symmetrical, which means the same upload and download speeds. You can easily use multiple devices at once.

Q

Where can I get updates about SR Connect fiber service?

A

Visit singingriverconnect. com to submit your information and express an interest in SR Connect fiber service. You will then be on our e-newsletter list.

You can also keep reading about it in this Today in Mississippi magazine and join our social conversations on Facebook and Instagram at SingingRiverConnect and SRConnectMS on Twitter.

Express an interest in lightning-fast fiber service TODAY at singingriverconnect.com!

No contracts. No data caps.

No equipment fees.

Sign up today!

GET CONNECTED. STAY LOCAL. Lightning-fast fiber is coming!

singingriverconnect.com 877-272-6611

Search your address at singingriverconnect.com to express your interest in service.

Three pilot areas covering SRE members in five counties.

SR Connect’s three pilot projects represent Singing River Electric’s three geographical districts, and will reach fiber subscribers in five southeast Mississippi counties. The areas were chosen because they are mostly unserved or underserved for fiber and because they are located along the fiber ring being constructed connecting all SRE offices and substations. This is an inital effort. Fiber expansion depends on the success of these pilots and results are promising so far. Whether you are inside or outside of a pilot project, please search your address and input information to express an interest. We will use this and other data to determine where to expand once that decision is made.

PILOT AREA #1

PILOT AREA #2

PILOT AREA #3

crews restore power following Tropical Storm Claudette Tropical Storm Claudette was a weak tropical storm that hit our area early Saturday, June 19, 2021. The storm brought heavy rain and spawned a tornado in northeast Jackson County that caused damage along State Line Road. One weird fact about the storm is that it did not form a well-defined circulation until it made landfall in Louisiana.

It gained tropical storm strength just prior to landfall.

Supporting South Mississippi wildlife conservation

SRE NHN Grant benefits South Coast Outdoors NHN Community Grants Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN) Community Grants help Singing River Electric merge efforts with the hard work of those within our communities.

Since the program’s inception in 2001, $317,174.15 has been awarded to local non-profits in local communities.

South Mississippi’s declining wood duck population will soon be on the rise thanks to a $2,500 Singing River Electric Neighbors Helping Neighbors Community Grant to South Coast Outdoors.

The funds will be used to construct wooden nesting boxes made from weatherresistant mahogany and stainless steel hardware. The South Coast team will record the use of the boxes during nesting season as well as log the number of hatchlings.

“Our Wood Duck Habitat Recovery Program began in 2016 in partnership with the Pascagoula Wildlife Management Area,” explained Trey Wright, project leader. “Our goal is to ensure that there are proper nesting sites for both migratory and local wood ducks.”

For more information on SRE NHN Community Grants and how to apply, visit singingriver.com/my-community. Grants for up to $2,500 are awarded to nonprofits in SRE’s service area three times a year in January, May and September.

How is my power restored?

In order to restore power to many people quickly, utilities follow a standard restoration plan. First, transmission lines that carry highvoltage electricity to substations are checked for damage, while other employees scout storm-affected areas to assess damage.

Employees are pre-assigned areas to speed restoration. Hospitals are given high priority when possible, and restorations work outward from the substations towards your home.

For more information, see the Storm Ready Fact Sheet available at singingriver.com/storm-and-outage.

What is the fastest way to report an outage?

Using the SmartHub mobile app can speed restoration time by directly entering your outage information into our system. Dispatch is then able to assign your power outage for faster repairs.

Download the SmartHub app at singingriver. com/smarthub.

Revisions Requested

UNDERSTANDING

Abby Berry writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives.

AUGUST 2021 | TODAY 17

Revisions Requested Approved

STEVEN Date_____ Revisions Requested

Power surges are brief overvoltage spikes that can damage electronic equipment within your home or business. Most electronics are designed to handle small variations in voltage.

Surges can be caused by internal sources, like HVAC systems with variable frequency drives, or external sources, like lightning and damage to power lines and transformers.

Mississippi’s electric cooperatives encourage all members to install surge protective devices (such as surge protector power strips) to safeguard your sensitive electronics. If you’re experiencing frequent surges in your home or business and you believe the cause is internal, contact a qualified electrician to inspect your electrical system.

Power blinks are also brief service interruptions, but they’re typically caused by a fault (short circuit) on a power line or a protective device that’s working in reaction to the fault. Faults can occur through a variety of instances, like squirrels, birds or other small animals contacting an energized power line; tree branches touching a power line; or lightning and other similar events. In fact, when it comes to power disruptions caused by critters, squirrels reign supreme. In 2019 alone, squirrels were responsible for more than 1,200 outages.

Any of the events Faults can occur noted above can cause your power to through a variety of blink, but you may instances, like squirrels, also experience a brief birds or other small interruption when animals contacting an protective devices that energized power line; act like circuit breakers tree branches touching are working to detect a power line; or the fault. Believe it or not, these brief lightning and other power blinks caused similar events. by protective devices are actually good because that means the equipment is working as it should to prevent a prolonged outage.

Regardless of the cause, co-op crews will be on their way to inspect the damage and make necessary repairs after a power outage. And you can help too! Any time you experience repeated disruptions to your electric service, please call your electric co-op.

Approved

What’s a power surge?

What’s a power blink?

RON Date_____

by Abby Berry Have you ever noticed your lights blink during a thunderstorm? Or perhaps you’ve noticed a blinking microwave clock when you arrive home. When this happens, you’ve likely experienced a brief disruption to your electric service, which could result from a power surge or blink. While the symptoms of surges and blinks can appear similar, what’s happening behind the scenes can be quite different.

VERSION #______________

Lightning strikes can cause faults (short circuits) on power lines, which can cause your lights to blink. Photo Credit: Pat Gaines

CHAD Date_____

Approved

AND

Mississippi catfish farmers Jerry Nobile (left) and son Will Nobile stand near one of their catfish ponds in Moorhead.

18 TODAY | AUGUST 2021

Photos by Chad Calcote

AUGUST 2021 | TODAY 19

Revisions Requested Approved

CHAD Date_____ Revisions Requested Approved

STEVEN Date_____ Revisions Requested Approved

RON Date_____ VERSION #______________

by Steven Ward The farm was created by Nobile’s grandfather in the 1940s Catfish farmer Will Nobile is driving a truck slowly alongand his dad expanded operations in the 1980s with catfish. side one of his ponds while a steady stream of fish feed “My dad built our first ponds in the mid 80s when cotton fires from a computer-controlled spout attached to the and soybean prices kind of hit bottom. He bought a John side of his vehicle.

Deere 4850 with two, 10-yard dirt buckets and started The surface of the pond water transforms from a still building ponds. He built six at first and brown to what looks like glass cracks a couple more every year until the early in motion or hard rain drops as the 2000s when I came back from college,” fish race to the top in a feeding frenzy. said.

Feeding is just one of many jobs on With about 35,000 acres Nobile “We almost doubled in size when we a catfish farm. and annual farmer sales purchased an old out of production farm “It’s a 24/7, 365 job. It takes a special person to work on a catfish farm,” of about $240 million, the about five miles north of us and rebuilt it Nobile, 42, said recently.

Mississippi industry remains and put it back in operation. Ever since then we have stayed about the same size, Nobile is a special catfish famer. an economic powerhouse, but we are always renovating ponds due Nobile has been named the Missisespecially in the Delta to water and wind erosion. Fish just grow sippi Catfish Farmer of the Year two better in rebuilt fresh ponds.” years in a row by The Catfish Institute, and east Mississippi.

Like any industry, catfish processing in a national trade group that promotes Mississippi has ups and downs.

U.S. farm-raised catfish.

“For the last several years, industrywide processing volMississippi is a special place when it comes to catfish. ume has ranged from 340 million to 300 million pounds. Of Mississippi is the largest catfish producing state in course, adequate fish prices are very important to farmers the nation with 60 to 70% of total production, said Mike and processors. Also, McCall of Catfish other issues confront Farmers of America the industry, includand editor of The ing the pandemic Catfish Journal. impacts, feed prices, “With about fish health, labor 35,000 acres and shortages and import annual farmer sales competition,” McCall of about $240 milsaid. lion, the Mississippi “Catfish farming is industry remains an almost feast or fameconomic powerine. It’s like nobody house, especially in has catfish, and the the Delta and east price is high, or everyMississippi,” McCall body has catfish, and said. the price is low, and “These numbers you can’t give them don’t include thouaway,” Nobile said. sands of people emHe said grain prices ployed at processing affect the bottom plants, feed mills, line of profitability farms and support because catfish feed industries.” is made from grains.

Nobile works with Catfish dart to the surface of a farm pond after feed pellets are ejected into the water during a Foreign competition, his father Jerry, 70, recent feeding. mainly from China on their family farm and Vietnam, also plays a role in catfish farming profitability. in Moorhead. A good portion of their Delta farm is powered “That’s why when you are in a restaurant or store you need

by Delta Electric Power Association. to make sure you are buying U.S. farm raised catfish,” The Nobiles farm 700 water acres from 70 ponds. They Nobile said. also have a catfish hatchery and acreage with soybeans.

Catfish fast facts Where is U.S. farm-raised catfish raised?

Ninety-four percent of all U.S. farm-raised catfish is raised in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Today, the industry employs nearly 10,000 people and contributes more than $4 billion to each state’s economy.

How is U.S. farm-raised catfish raised?

Mature catfish remain in production an average of 4 to 6 years, depending on where they are grown, and lay 3,000 to 4,000 eggs annually per pound of body weight. Once the eggs are laid and fertilized, they are collected and taken to special hatcheries designed to replicate the natural environment.

The eggs hatch after seven days and move to the next level of maturation, called “sac fry” because of the attached yolk sacs that supply their food.

Soon, the tiny U.S. farm-raised catfish begin to swim and are moved to ponds, where they grow into fingerlings. When the fingerlings are about 4 to 6 inches long (the size of an index finger), they are placed in manmade ponds filled with fresh water pumped from underground wells.

When the catfish reach about 1 pound each, they are harvested with seines (large, weighted nets) and loading baskets, then taken to processing plants.

According to a report published in August 2020, Mississippi catfish farms’ productivity rose to 5,700 pounds per acre in 2019 from 3,100 pounds per acre in 2011, the Mississippi State University Extension Service reported.

The National Agricultural Statistics Service reported last year that the U.S. catfish industry generated about $379 million in sales in 2019, of which $226 million originated from farms in Mississippi.

Although Mississippi catfish export numbers are not available, the U.S. Department of Commerce tracks total industry exports. For the most recent month on record, the industry shipped 135,000 pounds of processed catfish to Canada, Mexico, China and the Caribbean islands, McCall said.

How long does it take to grow U.S. farm-raised catfish?

It takes about 18 months to two years to grow a 1-pound fish.

Farmers use a long net called a seine to catch and sort the fish from the pond. The fish are then loaded onto a truck with water and oxygen.

How large is a full-grown U.S. farm-raised catfish?

A full-grown fish averages between 1 and 2 pounds

What does “farm-raised” mean?

U.S. farm-raised catfish is raised in environmentally controlled, clay-based ponds, filled with fresh water pumped from underground wells and filtered by alluvial aquifers. The average pond, constructed by building above-ground levees to serve as natural barriers, is 10 to 20 land acres in area and 4 to 6 feet deep

What gives U.S. farm-raised catfish its clean, mild taste?

Fish tends to adopt the flavor characteristics of what they eat.

Because U.S. farm-raised catfish is fed a scientifically formulated diet of high-protein pellets that float on top of the water, it has a consistently mild, slightly sweet flavor.

The Catfish Institute

20 TODAY | AUGUST 2021

Even though Nobile works with them every day, he never tires of eating catfish.

“I love it and my family eats it at least once per week.

It’s hard to beat it fried but I also like it grilled or baked in the oven. I have a recipe I like to cook also called Quarantine Catfish that you can find at The Catfish Institute’s website — uscatfish.com,” he said.

Nobile said he loves catfish farming and wouldn’t do anything else.

“I have always worked on the farm while growing up and, without a doubt in my mind, it’s what I have always wanted to do,” Nobile said.

Visit uscatfish.com for more information about U.S. catfish farming.

Catfish farmer Will Nobile feeds fish with pellets shooting out from the side of his truck.

For the catfish INGREDIENTS 4 U.S. farm-raised catfish fillets ¾ cup yellow cornmeal ¼ cup all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper ¼ teaspoon garlic powder Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions Combine cornmeal, flour, salt, cayenne pepper and garlic powder.

Coat catfish with mixture, shaking off excess. Fill a large, heavy skillet half full with vegetable oil. Heat to 350 degrees.

Add catfish in a single layer, and fry until golden brown, 5 to 6 minutes, depending on size.

Remove fish from oil and drain on paper towels.

Serve with hushpuppies.

For the hushpuppies INGREDIENTS 1½ cups self-rising cornmeal ½ cup self-rising flour 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt ¼ cup jalapeños, finely chopped (optional) 4 green onions, thinly sliced 1 cup buttermilk 1 large egg, beaten ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions Preheat oil to 350 degrees. Combine cornmeal, flour, sugar and salt. Mix well. In a separate bowl, combine jalapeños, onions, buttermilk, egg and cheese. Add to dry ingredients, stirring until just moistened. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 15 minutes. Drop batter by heaping teaspoons into heated oil and fry, turning hushpuppies to cook evenly, until golden brown.

The Catfish Institute

Fried catfish platter at Cock of the Walk in Ridgeland.

AUGUST 2021 | TODAY 21

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with Rebecca Turner Mississippi Inspired Pan Chicken Fajitas

Mexican night with a dash of homegrown Mississippi flavor

Everyone loves taco night! It’s a quick, inexpensive meal that the whole family enjoys. Who doesn’t like Mexican food? But typically, families rely on the pre-packaged kits for seasonings and shells. These can be full of unnecessary salt, additives and leave little room for recipe creativity or fresh vegetables. You can spice up your Mexican night by using homemade taco seasoning and adding Mississippi fresh produce to traditional dishes. Mississippi grown onions and bell peppers can make fresh, traditional fajitas. But don’t be afraid to branch out and add summer squash, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or a variety of peppers (not just bell peppers) to your fajita saute.

Most of us buy store-bought taco seasoning for convenience without realizing that the main ingredients are already in our spice cabinets. By making taco seasoning at home, you can skip any additives that don’t fit your health goals, like added salt or sugar and customize your season blend to suit your family’s taste buds. Traditional Mexican cuisine has a distinct taste thanks to a few flavors like onions, garlic, chili powders, paprika, cumin, and oregano. Once you find a seasoning combination you enjoy, it only takes a few minutes to mix up a big batch and store it in an airtight container. Then use two tablespoons of your homemade seasoning with a ¼ cup of water in place of one storebought packet.

There is more to Mexican food than tacos. Some of the most popular Mexican ingredients are beans, rice, and corn — all Mississippi staples! Sometimes, I like to bypass the tacos altogether and utilize rice grown in the Mississippi 24 TODAY | AUGUST 2021

Delta to make a one-skillet beef and rice casserole. No storebought kits required! Bonus: this easy weeknight meal is a delicious way to get the whole family to eat spinach. Think fresh when you think of toppings for your tacos or Mexican cuisine. Instead of more cheese, pile on various nutritious options like avocado, pico made with tomatoes, onion, peppers, spices, and cilantro. Cilantro is often referred to as Mexican parsley, as it is a fresh herb commonly found in and on many Mexican dishes. Cilantro smells amazing and is simple to grow at home or found at your local grocery.

Next time your family screams for tacos, broaden their horizons and bring the taste of Mississippi fresh produce into your Mexican night at home.

Homemade Mexican Seasoning INGREDIENTS 1 tablespoon chili powder ¼ teaspoon garlic powder ¼ teaspoon onion powder ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) ¼ teaspoon dried oregano ½ teaspoon paprika 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon sea salt (optional) 1 teaspoon black pepper (optional)

In a small bowl, whisk together chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt and pepper. Store in an airtight container.

Place chicken, squash, onion and garlic in a single layer onto the baking sheet.

Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle seasoning mixture over chicken and vegetables; gently toss to combine.

Place into the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through reaching 165 degrees and the vegetables are crisp-tender.

Stir in cilantro and lime juice.

Serve immediately with tortillas and desired toppings.

One-Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole

INGREDIENTS 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped 1 pound extra lean ground beef or turkey ½ teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon chili powder ½ teaspoon paprika 2 cups prepared brown rice 1 cup salsa 1 (10-ounce) package fresh spinach ½ cup shredded low-fat cheddar cheese

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil, then the chopped onion. Cook until the onions start to soften.

Add the meat and the spices and cook until the meat is browned. Stir in the cooked rice and salsa, then reduce heat to medium and place the spinach on top. Cover and cook for 2 minutes, until the spinach has wilted. Stir in the cheese and serve immediately. Top with fresh cilantro, chopped avocado, if desired.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rebecca Turner is an author, registered dietitian, radio host, television presenter and a certified specialist in sports dietetics with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. A lifelong Mississippian, she lives in Brandon and has spent the last decade offering no-nonsense nutrition guidance that allows you to enjoy good health and good food. Her book, “Mind Over Fork,” challenges the way you think, not the way you eat.

Find her on social media @RebeccaTurnerNutrition and online at www.RebeccaTurnerNutrition.com.

AUGUST 2021 | TODAY 25

Revisions Requested Revisions Requested

CHAD Date_____

Approved

Serves 6

Approved

In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper.

STEVEN Date_____

Prepare a baking sheet with nonstick spray.

One Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole

Revisions Requested

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Stir the tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeno pepper, lime juice, garlic, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper together in a bowl. Best to refrigerate several hours or overnight before serving.

Approved

*Or use chicken strips and slice lengthwise. *Sub spices with 2 tablespoons of homemade Mexican seasoning.

INGREDIENTS 6 roma (plum) tomatoes, diced ½ red onion, minced 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro ½ jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced ½ lime, juiced 1 clove garlic, minced 1⁄8 teaspoon garlic powder 1 pinch ground cumin, or to taste salt and pepper to taste

RON Date_____

INGREDIENTS 2 teaspoons chili powder 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons dried oregano 1 teaspoon paprika Salt and pepper, to taste 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips* 1 zucchini, cut into half moons 1 yellow squash, cut into half moons 1 onion, cut into wedges 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon olive oil ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves (optional) 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice 6 (8-inch) flour or corn tortillas

Homemade Pico de Gallo

VERSION #______________

Mississippi Inspired Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

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mississippi is...

events

SOON Church/Government uniting, suppressing ADVERTISE WITH mississippi marketplace RELIGIOUS LIBERTY, enforcing NATIONAL SUNDAY LAW. Be informed!

Events open to the public will be published free TBS, Pob 374, Ellijay, GAtoday 30540. on the menu outdoors of charge as space allows. Submit details at least thebiblesaystruth@yahoo.com two months prior to the event date. Submissions Mississippi’s largest circulated publication. must include a phone number with area code for scene the ‘sip 1-888-211-1715 picture this publication.

Email toaround news@ecm.coop. Events are subject to change or cancelation due to COVID-19.

Please confirm details before traveling. my opinion co-op involvement Calhoun County Sacred Harp Singing Convention.

Aug 7. Bruce. Bethel Primitive Baptist Church, located 1 mile north of Bruce on Highway 9. Singing begins at 10: a.m. with potluck in the fellowship hall. Singing will continue after lunch. The adopted songbook is The Sacred Harp, published in 1844. Details: Mark S. Davis at 601-940-1612. Text or leave voicemail.

Email: horn3tech@yahoo.com.

southern gardening

Magnolia Square Market. August 14. Water Valley.

Every second Saturday of the month through October. 8 a.m. to noon. Local produce, crafts, plants and baked goods. Live music and kid activities.

207 N. Main St. Details: 662-832-1528.

Mississippi Sacred Harp Singing Convention.

Aug 21-22. Forest. Antioch Primitive Baptist Church, located on Highway 21, six miles north of Forest.

Singing begins at 10: a.m. each day. Dinner at noon in the fellowship hall. Singing will continue each afternoon. Details: Mark S. Davis 601-940-1612. Text or leave voicemail. Email: horn3tech@yahoo.com.

3rd Gospel Music Hymn Sing. Aug. 21. Lucedale. Agricola Baptist Church. 6 p.m. An evening of singing the great hymns of our faith. Details: 601-770-1447.

Gospel Singing Jubilee. Aug 28. Magee. Concert featuring The Hinsons, Tim Frith and the Gospel Echoes, Revelations and Danny Bishop. Magee High School auditorium. 501 Choctaw St. Details: 601-720-8870.

grin ‘n’ bare it @PrairieArtsFestival or visit: www.prairieartsfestival.org

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Most people have never explored south of Highway 6 at Oxford unless they were looking specifically for a catfish dinner at Taylor Grocery. Or wanting to find a piece of original art from one of the fine artists who have taken up residence in the tiny village

of Taylor. But now, nearly 100 new families have moved to Taylor into Plein Air, one of the most interesting concept neighborhoods in Mississippi.

Plein Air is a French art term that refers to a 19th century style of painting denoting a strong sense of open air made popular in French impressionism. (I Googled it.) So, the artsy name “Plein Air” for the neighborhood is a nod to the artists who live in Taylor.

But you don’t have to be an artist to live at Plein Air. Most residents aren’t. But most people living there have at least one thing in common. They desire a simpler lifestyle. At least when they get home after work.

That’s what Plein Air’s original resident, Campbell McCool, had in mind when he moved back to Mississippi and put shovel to dirt and built his house there. And the one accoutrement he mandated that his and all other houses at Plein Air must have is a front porch. Front porches invite neighborliness, hospitality and relaxation.

Front porches used to be automatic on Southern houses prior to the 1940s, according to Campbell. It was because it gets so hot here. The porch was a place to escape the heat. Plus, it added livable square footage to a house. And a lot of living happened on the front porch. Campbell reminded me of all the scenes from

“The Andy Griffith Show” in Mayberry that took place on the front porch. Serious talks with Opie happened on the front porch.

When Barney courted Thelma Lou, it was on Andy’s front porch.

Air conditioning and television sent people inside and made front porches old fashion in the 50s, 60s and into the 70s. Decks popped up in back yards instead. People no longer knew their neighbors. Sociologists tell us the character of our neighborhoods changed as well. And not for the better.

My favorite childhood memory of a front porch was my grandmother’s. It was used a good bit, especially during family reunions. It caught the overflow from inside the house. Her house was not air conditioned and The one accoutrement she didn’t have a telehe mandated that his and vision. So especially in all other houses at Plein summertime after supper, Air must have is a front the grown-ups, particuporch.

Front porches invite larly the smokers, hit the porch while us kids hit the neighborliness, hospitality yard and chased lightenand relaxation. ing bugs. I still see in my mind a glowing red ember of light making a slow ark as a smoker sat on a swing on the porch at night. It was family.

When I built my house, it had to have a front porch like grandma’s. The porch had to have a swing at either end, just like her’s. That’s as close as I ever got. I never have time to sit on it.

by Walt Grayson Walt Grayson is the host of “Mississippi Roads” on Mississippi Public Broadcasting television and the author of two “Looking Around Mississippi” books and “Oh! That Reminds Me: More Mississippi Homegrown Stories.” Walt is also a reporter and 4 p.m. news anchor at WJTV in Jackson. He lives in Brandon and is a Central Electric member. Contact him at walt@waltgrayson.com.

AUGUST 2021 | TODAY 27

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